FA Cup

PEP GUARDIOLA launched an astonishing attack on football bosses after Manchester City stumbled into the FA Cup Final.The City boss slammed the FA for making his team play the first semi-final of the weekend less than 72 hours after their Champions League clash with Real Madrid ended in agonising defeat on penalties.Pep Guardiola launched an attack on English football bosses after Man City’s FA Cup semi-final winCredit: BBCThe City manager was not happy with the fixture congestionCredit: BBCGuardiola was in no mood to celebrate, despite Wednesday night spot-kick villain Bernardo Silva grabbing a late winner to punish Chelsea for missing a host of chances.City will play the winners of Sunday’s clash between Manchester United and Coventry and Guardiola raged: “It’s really unacceptable that Coventry, United and Chelsea don’t play in the week and they let us play today.”Why not give us one more day? It’s impossible, for the health of the players. It is not normal, honestly it’s not normal.“It’s common sense. I’m not asking for a special privilege. But I want to protect my players. We started in conditions that were a risk for injuries and health.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I know they don’t care but I care. Because I win, I have the courage to tell you.“I know the FA Cup in this country is special for many things, but it’s for the health of the players.”I don’t understand how we survived today. People cannot imagine what a punch in the face it was to be out of the Champions League in the way we are out.“What they have done today is one of the greatest things I have seen from a group of players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCity booked their spot in a second consecutive FA Cup finalCredit: GettySilva hit his shootout penalty straight at Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin on Wednesday night.But in the dying minutes at Wembley the Portuguese star saw his shot deflected in by Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella to give City a victory they hardly deserved.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonSilva said: “I am very happy after a very frustrating week for the fans and me personally.”The good thing in football is that if you play at Man City you play every three days so you have the chance for a bit of revenge and to put things right.”Today we tried to do that even though we were very tired and we are very happy with another final and a chance to win a trophy.”Chelsea suffered more Wembley agony after losing February’s Carabao Cup final to Liverpool through a Virgil Van Dijk goal late in extra time.This time Blues striker Nicolas Jackson was guilty of missing a number of great chances to score before Silva’s late intervention.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
“You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
“Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

Downcast Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “It is so easy to explain. We conceded in a moment you should not concede.”We were not capable of being clinical in front of goal, we had many chances but we did not score.”I think in the game we were a little bit better and deserved more, but it is not about deserving it, it is about being clinical and we were not today.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But we have to take the positive things and try to build.“Now it’s the time to finish the season in the best way and then see how we can be better next season.”Mauricio Pochettino was downcast after his side suffered more Wembley heartbreakCredit: Rex More

THIAGO Silva cut an emotional figure, after Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Man City.The Blues were beaten by a late Bernardo Silva goal, despite having opportunities to kill off their opponent.Thiago Silva wipes a tear from his eyes after Chelsea lost in the FA Cup semiCredit: ReutersAn emotional Silva couldn’t hide his disappointmentCredit: Premier SportsJeremy Doku consoles Silva after the matchCredit: ReutersAfter the match, the Brazilian defender appeared distraught at the final whistle.He was seen crouched down on the Wembley turf in tears after the heartbreaking defeat.City’s Jeremy Doku did his best to console the legendary defender.But it was too much for the ex-PSG star who couldn’t hide his disappointment.Read more football newsFootball fans on X voiced their opinion on Thiago’s tears.One wrote: “I am absolutely heartbroken. Thiago Silva deserves a better ending to his Chelsea career.”A second posted: “thiago silva crying stoppppp.”A third shared: “Thiago silva we let you down for 3 seasons.”Most read in FootballA fourth pleaded: “Thiago silva stay one more season please.”Man City will play in the FA Cup final, after an edgy win over the London club.Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseThe champions were made to wait for it until the 84th minute, when Bernardo Silva finished off a fine move involving Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne.However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will regret missing a hatful of chances.Nicolas Jackson was particularly wasteful in front of goal, as the Blues were left heartbroken. More

CHELSEA’S Wembley woes continued as they fell to another defeat under the iconic arch.Despite their best efforts they were sunk by an 84th minute Bernardo Silva goal to confirm they will end this season trophyless.Chelsea lost out on a place in the FA Cup finalCredit: ReutersBernardo Silva broke blue hearts with a late goalCredit: ReutersThe Blues looked strong in the first half but were unable to convert an array of chances with Nicolas Jackson leaving his shooting boots at Stamford Bridge.The second half was dominated by City who showed their experience to reach a second consecutive FA Cup final.Here’s how SunSport’s Andrew Dillon rated each Chelsea player’s performance…DORDE PETROVIC – 5Surprisingly not kept that busy against a leggy City team. But his outstretched foot teed up Silva perfectly for the goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMALO GUSTO – 6Has grown in confidence while standing in for injured captain Reece James. Not the strongest but nimble and quick on the run.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTREVOH CHALOBAH – 5Given a run out to impress on the big stage. One of those up for grabs in the summer as being home grown he represents pure profit in accounting terms.Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseTHIAGO SILVA – 6Thiago Silva’s time in London looks close to an endCredit: RexFour matches at Wembley with Chelsea and defeat in them all. This was surely his last chance gone. Out of contract in the summer and 39. Do the mathMARC CUCURELLA – 7Growing into this club. Two clearances form dangerous positions in the first half alone. So unfortunate when Silva’s shot cannoned off him and into the net.Most read in FootballMOISES CAICEDO – 5Guilty of a couple of silly fouls. And put Grealish out of the game with a kick on the knee. City’s man was fuming with the brutal challengeENZO FERNANDEZ – 5Back in the line up after injury and illness. Curiously Chelsea played so free without him in the team on Monday against Everton. Anonymous.CONOR GALLAGHER – 5Shifted out to a left wing role rather than in central midfield. Arguably Chelsea’s most effective player this season.COLE PALMER – 6Kept on a lead with only one real chance in the first half but it did drag a cool one-handed save out of Ortega.NONI MADUEKE – 6Full of tricks and energy. And a great tackle on Jack Grealish in the danger area. Surprise substitution.NICOLAS JACKSON – 5Nicolas Jackson failed to keep his cool in front of goal once againCredit: GettyTrademark miss. Dragged the ball way too wide when put clean through. Then had a shot saved only to miss the follow up header. Unlucky not to get a penalty with a shove by Kyle Walker.SUBSMYKHAILO MUDRYK (for Madueke) – Woeful waste of the final chance to level. 5AXEL DISASI (for Gusto) – Strong physically and will settle next season. 6READ MORE SUN STORIESBEN CHILWELL (for Cucurella) – Should have centred earlier for Sterling to score. 5RAHEEM STERLING (for Enzo Fernandez) – Screaming for the ball to score the equaliser. 6 More

MICAH RICHARDS apologised to Frank Lampard live on air after a bust-up dating back nearly 20 years ago.But the Chelsea legend had the perfect response as Alan Shearer joked about what Richards “really called him” backstage.Micah Richards apologised to Frank Lampard on live TV after clashing nearly 20 years agoCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BBCMOTDLampard and Richards came up against each other when Chelsea beat Man City 6-0Credit: EPASuper Frank joined the pair and Gary Lineker for BBC’s coverage of Chelsea vs Manchester City in the FA Cup semi final.Lampard, who won the competition four times as a Blues player, provided some valuable insights into life at his old club.But talk soon turned to an infamous incident between him and fellow pundit Richards.In 2007, Chelsea thrashed Man City 6-0 in the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLampard did not score in that match but did bag an assist for the second goal netted by Didier Drogba.However, before kick-off, he reportedly snubbed Richards in the tunnel.The ex-Man City captain was not happy at getting the cold shoulder, and even more so with the result which he blamed himself for.Richards admitted in October that he had vowed to “smash” Lampard on the field for his blank approach.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut speaking on BBC during half-time of Chelsea vs City, Richards offered a heartfelt apology to Lampard.Richards said: “It was 6-0, I was at fault for probably five of the goals.Micah Richards told to ‘consider other career paths’ after dreadful Champions League prediction re-emerges“I’d like to apologise, live on air.”But Lampard had the perfect response as he graciously said: “You haven’t got to apologise. I was probably in the zone.”However, Shearer could not resist mocking Richards.He chimed in: “That’s not what you were saying in the dressing room two hours ago before Frank arrived!“Tell him what you really called him!” More

ZERO-TO-HERO Bernardo Silva roared “make mine a Double instead” with a late winner for jaded Manchester City.Silva’s embarrassing penalty had set City on the road to the agonising Champions League defeat on spot-kicks by Real Madrid that ended their dreams of back-to-back Trebles.Bernardo Silva lit up Wembley with his 84th-minute goalCredit: GettyThe Portuguese star kept his composure to find the back of the netCredit: GettyIt is more Wembley heartache for ChelseaCredit: ReutersBut the Portugal international put himself on the road to redemption by delivering the decisive moment for Pep Guardiola’s ragged-looking team.Despite looking physically and emotionally drained by their midweek exertions, City found a way to win and may well lift the Premier League trophy again before being back here next month for the final.Chelsea suffered yet more Wembley agony after losing the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool in February in the dying minutes of extra-time.That makes it ten defeats in their last 13 since the reopening of the national stadium. But Mauricio Pochettino’s team only had themselves to blame after being the better side for most of the game.The dark Blues should have been home and hosed before the hour.But striker Nicolas Jackson was guilty of failing to convert at least four really good chances.The Senegal striker was lively throughout only for his finishing to let him down again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn the first half, he was played through by Enzo Fernandez and went around City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, only to decide not to shoot with his left and then fail to find a team-mate with a pass with his right.After the break, he found himself one-on-one with Ortega again. Fans convinced Phil Foden hasn’t aged a day as incredible video of 10-year-old Man City star resurfaces He forced a decent save but moments later, when found by a Cole Palmer cross, he sent a close-range header straight at the City goalkeeper.Jackson was by far the most culpable, but Chelsea wasted other chances, too.As for City, Phil Foden had their best opportunities before Silva’s late heroics. In the first half, he ran on to Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant pass and past Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic but was unable to put a shot on target with his weaker right foot from a tight angle.In the second half, he should probably have done better with his favoured left peg, rather than give Petrovic the opportunity to make a decent enough stop.Marc Cucurella could not prevent the ball flying inCredit: GettyGuardiola sent on Jeremy Doku in search of inspiration and the Belgian was denied by Petrovic’s right leg.With time running out, Doku played his part in the winner. He found De Bruyne whose attempted cutback from the byline was palmed away by Petrovic.  But the ball only went to Silva. After hitting that penalty straight into the grateful arms of Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, he saw his shot deflected into the back of the net off Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.READ MORE SUN STORIESPochettino’s side were given eight minutes of stoppage time to find an equaliser.But Jackson and co could have played all night and not scored.Nicolas Jackson missed a flurry of chances at WembleyCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino looked on frustrated in the dugoutCredit: APPhil Foden couldn’t squeeze in after rounding Djordje PetrovicCredit: AFPJack Grealish was not happy with this challenge from Moises CaicedoCredit: Reuters More

ERIK TEN HAG has been forced to turn to a rookie youth centre-back as part of the Manchester United squad for tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final.The Red Devils have been hit with an injury crisis ahead of their Wembley bout against Coventry and have called youngster Louis Jackson up to the squad as a result.Louis Jackson (right) has been called up to the Manchester United squad for their FA Cup semi-finalCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeManchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst revealed that the 18-year-old has travelled with the squad ahead of the cup clash.Jackson has never made a senior appearance, but has been an important player for the Red Devils’ U18s and U21s sides this season.The defender has made 15 appearances for the U18s and has played a further six games for the U21s in Premier League 2, the Prem’s development league.Jackson has been called upon by Ten Hag as a result of major injury problem for the Manchester giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHarry Maguire is the only fit senior centre-back available for the club with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all ruled out with injury.Ten Hag has turned to 19-year-old starlet Willy Kambwala in recent weeks, but the French youth prospect hasn’t travelled with the squad either after suffering an injury himself.Ten Hag won’t necessarily be forced to start Jackson as a result with the Dutch gaffer reportedly exploring emergency alternatives from within his squad.It’s said that Dutch manager has been experimenting with Casemiro as a centre-back alongside Maguire in training.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnited were handed even more injury blows before tomorrow’s clash with Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat also unavailable.The new injuries mean that Man Utd have been hit with 60 separate cases of injury or illness this season alone.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson More

MANCHESTER UNITED’S injury crisis has hit a new low as three more stars are ruled out for tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final.The Red Devils face Coventry in their Wembley bout on Sunday afternoon and will have to do so without Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat and Willy Kambwala.Erik ten Hag has been hit with even more injury woes ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry CityCredit: GettyMason Mount is one of three new stars to be ruled out for the clashCredit: GettyThe trio of absentees was revealed by Fabrizio Romano who pointed out that United have now seen 60 separate cases of injury or illness this season.The unbelievable stat has sent Man Utd fans into frenzy with many taking to social media to react.One wrote: “On a serious note this is genuinely not normal at all. It’s not a coincidence, something is going wrong behind the scenes.”While another added: “Surely gotta investigate wtf is happening in training?? Unless it’s in games obviously but this is insane now. Training too hard? So frustrating.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third pointed towards the lack of fitness for Mount and Amrabat, writing: “Mount and Amrabat have been absolutely disastrous signings.”And a fourth commented: “This isn’t bad luck, the amount of injuries we get in training is ridiculous and can’t be a coincidence.”The absence of Willy Kambwala is particularly concerning for United who now only have one senior centre-back fit for the cup clash tomorrow.Harry Maguire is the lone available central defender with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all ruled out with injury.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSErik Ten Hag has been forced to turn to 18-year-old Louis Jackson as a result with the teenager travelling with the squad for the semi-final.Jackson has never made a senior appearance but has been an important player for the Red Devils’ U18s and U21s sides this season.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson Although, Jackson may not be making his debut on the hallowed turf of Wembley with Ten Hag reportedly testing out alternative options.It is said that the Dutch gaffer has been testing Casemiro out as a centre-back alongside Maguire as an emergency option for tomorrow’s game.Willy Kambwala has joined Man Utd’s long list of injured centre-backsCredit: GettyLouis Jackson (right) has been called up to the squad as an emergency optionCredit: Getty More